Commonly perceived as a disorder that affects only hyperactive children, ADHD can be difficult to diagnose. Many children go their entire lives without receiving an official ADHD diagnosis because they appeared to be extremely intelligent, or someone failed to recognize the child was experiencing its symptoms. Regardless of the reason the child did not receive a diagnosis, reaching out for help can be crucial for them to improve the quality of their lives. Here are ten common signs of ADHD that every parent should know.
1. Self-Focused Behavior
The first common sign that can often lead into the next two signs is self-focused behavior. Self-focused behavior may cause the child to have an inability to recognize other people’s needs and desires.
2. Interrupting
Children with ADHD may have a tendency to interrupt other people while they are speaking, or inappropriately intrude on social situations that they are not a part of.
3. Trouble Waiting Their Turn
Children with ADHD may have trouble waiting for their turn during classroom activities or while playing games with other children.
4. Emotional Turmoil
Children with ADHD may find it difficult keeping their emotions in check. This is often seen by the child having outbursts of anger at inappropriate times.
5. Lack of Focus
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A child with ADHD may have difficulty paying attention, even if someone is speaking directly to them. For example, the child may say that they heard you, but will not be able to repeat back to you what you just said.
6. Unfinished Tasks
Many children with ADHD will show an interest in a lot of different things, however, they may have trouble with actually finishing any of them. For example, they may start their homework or chores, but move on to the next thing that catches their interest before finishing.
7. Fidgeting
A child with ADHD may have trouble sitting still. For example, they may fidget, squirm, or get up and run around when forced to sit.
8. Mistakes
A child with ADHD will often have trouble following instructions that require executing a plan. This doesn’t in anyway indicate that the child is lazy or lacks intelligence, but will often lead to them making careless mistakes.
9. Daydreaming
While some children with ADHD may be loud and disruptive, another sign of the mental illness is being quieter and less involved than other kids. These children may be seen ignoring their surroundings while they’re daydreaming.
10. Disorganized
